Grounding element for solar panel mounting systems

Abstract

Disclosed is a device and a system that provides a bond and ground for the mounting of solar panel systems. The grounding element is pressed into and captivity held in a mounting component of a solar panel system. This can be done during the fabrication process at the manufacturer or distributor so that the mounting component and grounding element can be transported together as a single unit. In an installed solar panel system, the mounting component that includes the captive grounding element makes contact with other elements of the solar panel mounting system and electrically bonds with them.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A solar panel mounting system comprising:
 a solar panel; 
 a solar panel mounting rail including a first slot along a length of a top surface of the rail; 
 a solar panel end-clamp assembly including:
 a base portion resting on the top surface of the rail, 
 a side portion projecting perpendicularly upward from the base portion, and 
 a top portion projecting directly from and perpendicularly away from the side portion; 
 
 a threaded fastener comprising a fastener head seated within the first slot and a fastener body that passes through the base portion and the top portion and secures the solar panel to the rail and between the base portion and the top portion; and 
 a grounding element formed from a roll pin and comprising a first end and a second end; wherein 
 the base portion includes a through-hole with a through-hole diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the grounding element in an uncompressed state; and 
 the grounding element is inserted into the through-hole so that the first end and the second end extend away from opposing surfaces of the base portion, where the grounding element is movable therein; and 
 the grounding element physically contacts the solar panel and the rail forming an electrical path therethrough. 
 
     
     
       2. The solar panel mounting system of  claim 1 , wherein the base portion, the side portion, and the top portion integrally form a c-shape. 
     
     
       3. The solar panel mounting system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the roll pin is made of spring metal and comprises a hollow cylindrical shaped body and a through-slot oriented length-wise along the hollow cylindrical shaped body from the first end to the second end; and 
 the first end and the second end are each beveled inward from a corresponding outside edge to a corresponding inside edge of the hollow cylindrical shaped body coming to a sharpened point along the corresponding inside edge circumference. 
 
     
     
       4. The solar panel mounting system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the roll pin is made of spring metal and comprises a hollow cylindrical shaped body and a through-slot oriented length-wise along the hollow cylindrical shaped body from the first end to the second end; and 
 the first end and the second end each include a plurality of sharpened points.